Sidney Elementary School to host new “Seaquaria Project” thanks to local donation from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

Sidney, BC, June 28, 2011 – Sidney Elementary School will soon have its very own “Seaquarium” program, thanks in part to a $3,500 donation from their local TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Chapter.

The Seaquarium project will see the construction of a live, learning-lab aquarium at the school, which teachers will use to captivate and engage students on the ever-changing marine ecosystems right in their own community.

“As students care for their ecosystems and participate in hands-on activities, they build an understanding and respect for the organisms and develop integrated stewardship skills,” said Kal Russell, Principal, Sidney Elementary School. “Thanks to the efforts of the Parent Advisory Committee and support from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, we’re the first elementary school in the district to offer this hands-on program.”

Sidney Elementary School will be collaborating with World Fisheries Trust (www.worldfish.org), a non-profit organization, to develop age specific programs which will target students of all ages, address many learning styles, extend learning to the real world and provide increased leadership opportunities. The Sea aquaria key processes:

“As a parent, I know how excited my child gets when they’re participating in hands-on, experiential learning,” said June Sebastian, TD FEF Volunteer Chapter Coordinator. “We believe that programs like the Seaquarium project help foster the environmental stewards of tomorrow, and so we’re very pleased to show our support to Sidney Elementary School.”

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $57 million in funding to more than 20,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2011, TD FEF provided more than $3.6 million in support of 1,058 projects. Thousands of donors give to TD FEF on a monthly basis and TD Bank Group contributes in excess of $1 million annually. TD also covers the management costs of running TD FEF, which guarantees 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to funding environment and wildlife projects in the community where the donation was made. For more information on how to donate and get involved in your community, visit www.tdfef.com.

Information

Aurora Bonin
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
604-649-6214
aurora.bonin@td.com